Uncle Sam is stepping in to airlift Americans out of a war-torn Israel as tensions with Iran explode into chaos. The U.S. Department of State has rolled out assisted departure flights to get citizens to safety, a move that’s as urgent as it is overdue, given the escalating violence.
CBS News reported that as announced by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on social media, the operation kicked off with flights from Tel Aviv to Athens on June 22, 2025, carrying about 70 Americans, their families, and lawful permanent residents, all while the Israel-Iran war rages and U.S. military strikes hit Iranian nuclear targets.
The timeline of this crisis response has been a bit of a rollercoaster, starting with mixed signals from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on June 18, 2025, the sixth day of the conflict.
Huckabee initially suggested assistance was underway for evacuation flights and cruise ship exits, only for the State Department to clarify that no such help was confirmed for private citizens at that time. Talk about keeping folks on edge while missiles fly.
By June 19, 2025, the embassy finally sent a message to Americans enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), hinting at contingency plans to help citizens leave Israel. Updates on departure options were promised, a small comfort amid a Level 4 travel advisory warning against any travel to the region due to armed conflict and terrorism. If that’s not a red flag, what is?
The conflict’s toll is grim, with Israeli officials reporting at least 24 deaths on their side, while a Washington-based group, Health Rights Activist, claims 657 fatalities in Iran, including 263 civilians.
Emergency services in northern Israel also noted 23 wounded from strikes on what’s presumed to be June 20, 2025. These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re a stark reminder of why getting Americans out is priority one.
Evacuation efforts gained traction with charter flights organized by nonprofits and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, landing hundreds of Americans in Tampa, Florida, around June 20, 2025.
Meanwhile, Birthright Israel managed to get about 1,500 participants out via a luxury cruise ship, the Crown Iris, sailing from Ashdod Port to Larnaca, Cyprus. It’s a relief to see state and private efforts stepping up where federal bureaucracy sometimes drags its feet.
Some Americans took matters into their own hands, crossing into Jordan by road and catching flights from Amman back to the U.S. With Ben Gurion International Airport shut down and major airlines suspending routes to the States, these border runs show the grit of folks refusing to sit idle in a war zone. Desperation breeds ingenuity, even if it’s a risky play.
The urgency spiked on June 22, 2025, just hours after the first evacuation flights departed, when President Trump announced U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
This bold move, while a signal of strength against Tehran’s aggression, undoubtedly cranks up the heat for Americans still stuck in the region. Strength is good, but let’s hope the timing doesn’t trap more of our people in the crossfire.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson also confirmed on June 22, 2025, that several American citizens sustained minor injuries from an Iranian missile strike, though details remain scarce for privacy reasons. It’s a sobering update, underscoring that this isn’t just a geopolitical chess game—it’s personal for those caught in the blast radius.
Ambassador Huckabee took to social media with a practical plea: “If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident currently in Israel or the West Bank and seeking U.S. government assistance to depart, please complete this form so the Department of State can better assist you.”
It’s a straightforward call to action, but one wonders why it took days of conflict to get this ball rolling—government efficiency isn’t exactly a hallmark of our era.
Then there’s Warren Cohen, an American stranded on a business trip, who publicly begged, “Mr. President, please bring me home to my family.” His raw appeal from a war zone, mentioning his proximity to the president’s Mar-a-Lago, cuts through the red tape with a human cry for help. While empathy abounds for Cohen’s plight, it’s a reminder that personal connections shouldn’t be what it takes to get rescued.
The broader picture here is a region spiraling into deeper conflict, with civilians—American and otherwise—paying the price for failed diplomacy and unchecked aggression.
The Israel-Iran war isn’t just a headline; it’s a humanitarian crisis demanding swift, decisive action over political posturing. Washington’s strikes may be strategic, but they shouldn’t overshadow the mission to bring every citizen home.
With airport closures and missile strikes, the logistics of evacuation are a nightmare, yet the State Department’s STEP program remains a lifeline for those needing assistance.
Americans are urged to register, a small but critical step in a situation where every minute counts. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the kind of nuts-and-bolts effort that saves lives.